Two British soldiers have been shot and killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldiers, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, were hit by small arms fire while on patrol in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province.

Next of kin have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is my very sad duty to report the loss of two soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment this morning.

"The soldiers were patrolling an area in the north of Nad-e Ali District when they were hit by small arms fire from which they both subsequently died.

"Both soldiers were engaged in vital work bringing stability, governance and development to an area that had been dominated by insurgent intimidation.

"They have given their lives fighting oppression and protecting those less able to protect themselves - we will never forget them. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time."